Menzbier's marmot

The marmot found only in our mountains

This marmot lives in only one place in the world — the Western Tian Shan mountains on the border of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan! It fattens up in summer and sleeps for 7 months in winter. Marmots live in families and whistle loudly when they see danger — everyone dives into the burrows. Very few are left, so they need protecting.

Menzbier's marmot (Marmota menzbieri) is endemic to the Western Tian Shan, living on subalpine meadows at 2,000–3,500 m; the Chatkal Reserve is its main refuge. It is the smallest marmot (3–4 kg). Hibernation lasts from September to April: body temperature drops to 5 °C and the heart beats 5 times a minute. Colonies warn of danger in a 'whistle language' (different calls for eagle, fox and human). IUCN: Vulnerable, with fewer than 20,000 left and declining due to grazing pressure and poaching. In Uzbekistan's Red Book.

Fun facts

• This marmot sleeps 7 months a year — its heart beats 5 times a minute.
• Marmots whistle different "words" for an eagle and for a fox.
• Fewer than 20,000 remain, found only in the Tian Shan.